🥘🎯🚶Somehow There's Food, Shopping, and Sidewalks

The Newsletter Your Neighbor Writes.
No Crime. No Politics.
What connects us. Not what divides us.

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Good Morning Neighbor. They square up with kangaroos in Australia, we box gators in Florida. Last week in Land O’ Lakes, the hometown fighter was a dog mom who saved her pup with a clean right hook straight to the eye.

It’s a pretty crazy story but now the gators know not to mess with Danie Wright…or Dax.

In this edition of the North Tampa Buzz:

🚸 New sidewalks for students
🐕 Shasta needs a home
🍀 Wexford returns on County Line
🥘 Brazilian eats at Citrus Park
🎓 New school + health academy
🎯 Target opens Oct. 12

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Digest

Safer Walks to School Coming to Wesley Chapel

We saw this coverage everywhere. What a story for a young man looking out for our community and our safety. Thirteen-year-old Josh Patrick noticed classmates dodging cars and walking through ditches on the way to school — and spoke up. His push caught the attention of county leaders and lawmakers, who secured $1.75 million for new sidewalks.

The project will build a continuous 5-foot sidewalk along Curley Road and Wells Road, connecting Wesley Chapel Elementary, Weightman Middle, and Wesley Chapel High. More than 4,000 students use these roads daily, and the new paths will keep them safely separated from traffic. Construction is set to begin in summer 2026 and finish by 2027.

For families, this comes at the right time. Bus driver shortages have led to delays and long waits, leaving parents scrambling. The sidewalks won’t solve everything, but they will give students a safe, steady way to get to class — and remind us what can happen when one neighbor speaks up for all.

Quick note from Denis Phillips:

“Tropical Update. Looks like we'll have "Gabby" in the next day or 2. Newest spaghetti models continue to show a sharp turn into the North Atlantic down the road. Caribbean still quiet...for now.”

Here is a link to the National Hurricane Center to check in this morning if you want to.

Pasco County Animal Services Presents: Shasta

Shasta (A037853) is a female White German Shepherd mix who was found as a stray wearing a harness. No owner reclaimed her, so she is available for adoption at PCAS. Shasta is a friendly girl who is house trained and knows commands like “sit” & “paw.” She has also been an office foster, and Shasta is a staff favorite for her sweet and calm demeanor.

Pasco County Animal Services
19640 Dogpatch Lane
Land O Lakes, FL 34638
Tues - Thurs 12-5:30pm
Fri - Sat 12-6:30pm
(813) 929-1212
MyPasco.net/PAS

Restaurants

The Wexford Rises Up From the Ashes

When this newsletter first started, I was calling 40 Thieves to check who was playing live music that weekend, only to be met with a sound similar to those old the dial-up days. The number was disconnected. Now, that spot has new life. The Wexford, formerly on E. Bearss Ave., has moved in and is all set for football Sundays at the very same address, 2741 E. County Line Rd.

Brazilian Flavors Arrive at Citrus Park Mall

Boteco do Manolo opened Sept. 5 with a menu of more than 100 items, from Brazilian barbecue and seafood to pizza, pasta, and the classic caipirinha cocktail. This new spot seats 300, features a full 360-degree bar, and has outdoor space for live performances.

Founded in Rio de Janeiro over 20 years ago, the restaurant now has its first Tampa area location, a flavorful new option for neighbors looking to try authentic Brazilian cuisine close to home.

Community

New High School Coming to Wesley Chapel

Pasco County Schools plans to open a new high school in Wesley Chapel by 2028, two years ahead of schedule. Wiregrass Ranch High is already over 140% capacity, with Wesley Chapel High close behind, and thousands more students are expected with new development.

The site, off State Road 54 near Country Walk, may become a magnet school, with health care as a leading option tied to the district’s AdventHealth partnership. It’s a big step to ease overcrowding and prepare students for future careers right here in our community.

Building Pasco’s Health Care Future

Pasco County Schools is teaming up with AdventHealth to create a new health care academy for high school students, with plans to launch in fall 2026. Backed by a $500,000 Bloomberg planning grant and nearly $250,000 from AdventHealth, a continued generous investment in our communities, the program will blend academics with hands-on training, giving students direct paths into careers like nursing and technical roles. A full plan is expected before the school choice window opens in January.

By connecting students to real-world experience and industry professionals, the district hopes to build a strong local pipeline, preparing Pasco kids for Pasco jobs while meeting a growing community need.

Target Grand Opening in Wesley Chapel

Mark your calendars, it’s finally here! Target is set to open its brand-new Wesley Chapel store on October 12th. This isn’t just any Target, either. It’s one of their new, larger-format locations, topping their 125,000-square-foot average. The store is part of Target’s nationwide growth plan to add 300 new locations over the next decade.

Ours is one of seven opening that week across the country, with most built larger to carry more of the essentials (and extras; no, there would never be extras). Target’s betting big on these expanded spaces as they push through sales challenges and a leadership shake-up.

Events North of Tampa

If you have an upcoming event you'd like us to feature at the top of the newsletter, just let us know. You can also drop any suggestions or thoughts in the comment section below the calendar.

If you run into any trouble with the new calendar, the legacy version is included below as a backup.

Featured Event

It was tough to figure out which event to feature in this one because of a couple unique events along with a wonderful lineup of markets. For this edition, we are going with Magic for Adults.

🤣✨ Comedy + Magic in Wesley Chapel
🎤🎩 Eric Eaton’s adults-only comedy magic show is back at Side Splitters!
🗓️ Sept 19–20 | ⏰ 7 & 9:30 PM | 🎟️ $25–$35 🤣

Live Music

Tuesday, September 16

• Double Bogeys Tavern & Grille, Lutz | Open Mic w/Fred Chandler | 7 – 10pm

• The Orpheum, Tampa | Dark Angel, Sacred Reich | 9 – 11:59pm

• Ukulele Brand's, Land O' Lakes | Open Mic Night | 7 – 10pm

Wednesday, September 17

• Double Bogeys Tavern & Grille, Lutz | Jamie O | 6:30 – 10pm

• SouthernEaze Bar and Grill, Lutz | Open Mic Night | 6 – 9pm

• The Orpheum, Tampa | The Frights ($35) | 7 – 11:59pm

• The Twisted Oak, Dade City | Open Mic | 7 – 10pm

• Tom's Tavern (Forest Hills), Tampa | Open Mic w/Fred Chandler | 7 – 10pm

Thursday, September 18

• Stonewater Grill, Land O' Lakes | Matt Capps | 6 – 9pm

• The Orpheum, Tampa | Project Pat | 6 – 11pm

• Thomas P’s Sports Bar & Patio, Tampa | Matthew McCartney | 5 – 8pm

• Tom's Tavern (Forest Hills), Tampa | Open Mic w/Fred Chandler | 7 – 10pm

Friday, September 19

• Art's Tap House, New Port Richey | Swipe Right | 8 – 11:59pm

• Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | Sons of Phil | 8 – 11:55pm

• Cheers 54, Zephyrhills | Emmet Stevens Jr | 9pm – 1am

• Cigars International Superstore, Lutz | Live Music | 8 – 11:45pm

• Dade City Tap House & Spirits, Dade City | Allie Roman | 7:30 – 11:30pm

• Double Bogeys Tavern & Grille, Lutz | Moonshine Abby | 7 – 11pm

• Florida Avenue Brewing Co., Wesley Chapel | Matt Capps | 7 – 10pm

• Green Parrot Tiki Bar & Grill, Tampa | JT Curtis and the Florida Scoundrels | 6 – 9pm

• House of Brews, Lutz | Richie Hume | 6:30 – 9:30pm

• Moose Lodge, Zephyrhills | Jace Aaron Band | 8 – 11:59pm

• O'Brien's Irish Pub, Tampa | CoCo Red | 9pm – 1am

• O'Brien's Irish Pub & Grill, Wesley Chapel | Copperwing | 8 – 11:59pm

• Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa | 45th Anniversary Celebration – FREE – Damon Fowler, Uncle John’s Band, The Lint Rollers & Johnny G Lyon | 7pm

• SouthernEaze Bar and Grill, Lutz | OMG | 6:30 – 9:30pm

• Stonewater Grill, Land O' Lakes | Two Critters | 7 – 10pm

• The Brass Tap, Lutz | Live Music TBA | 7 – 10pm

• The Collective at Escape, Trinity | Eric Engle | 6 – 10pm

• The Twisted Oak, Dade City | Zachary Westervelt | 8 – 11:59pm

• Thomas P’s Sports Bar & Patio, Tampa | Tyler Dusek | 5 – 8pm

• Tom's Tavern (Forest Hills), Tampa | The Mordigans Rock | 8 – 11:59pm

• Ukulele Brand's, Land O' Lakes | Daniel Sprouse | 7:30 – 10:30pm

• White Room Bar & Lounge, Land O' Lakes | Soul Circus Cowboys | 8 – 11pm

Markets

Friday, September 19

• Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen, Tampa | Yuengling Haus Draft Market | 6 – 10pm

Saturday, September 20

• Angeline Place, Land O’ Lakes | Angeline Farmers Market | 10am – 2pm

• Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel | Downtown Saturday Market | 10am – 2pm

• Bubba's 33, Wesley Chapel | Makers Market | 5 – 9pm

• The Shops at Wiregrass, Wesley Chapel | Fresh Market | 9am – 1pm

• Tiki Cove, Land O’ Lakes | Moon Market | 5 – 9pm

Events

Tuesday, September 16

• Crunch Fitness, Land O’ Lakes | Football Themed Mid Month Party | 5 – 8pm

• EggTown, Wesley Chapel | Ladies who Brunch - 1st Event! | 10am – 12pm

• Florida Cracker Fish Company, Tampa | Kids Night | 5:30 – 8:30pm

• O'Brien's Irish Pub, Tampa | Trivia w/Tucker | 7 – 9pm

• O'Brien's Irish Pub & Grill, Wesley Chapel | Trivia w/Dang Yo | 7:30 – 10:30pm

• Starkey Market, Trinity | Drum Circle | 7 – 10pm

• Thirsty Buffalo Brewing Company, Odessa | Chunky Knit Pumpkins | 6:30 – 8:30pm

• Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant, Wesley Chapel | Trivia and Taco Tuesday | 7 – 9pm

• Whiskey Willy's, Lutz | Pool Tournament w/Karaoke | 9 – 11pm

Wednesday, September 17

• Bahama Breeze, Lutz | Boss Babes Monthly Mixer | 6:30 – 8:30pm

• BarrieHaus Beer Co Trinity, Trinity | Trivia - Friends | 7 – 9pm

• Dade City Tap House & Spirits, Dade City | Trivia | 7 – 9pm

• HCA Florida Trinity Hospital, Trinity | Professional Women in Business | 11:15am – 1pm

• House of Brews, Lutz | Trivia | 7 – 9pm

• Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, Land O’ Lakes | Line Dancing ($2) | 10 – 11:30am

• Lewis Abraham Boys & Girls Club of Lacoochee, Dade City | Free Food Distribution | 9am – 12pm

• O'Brien's Irish Pub, Tampa | Line Dancing w/Simone | 7 – 9pm

• O'Brien's Irish Pub & Grill, Wesley Chapel | Karaoke w/Shaun Babb | 8 – 11pm

• Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, Odessa | Marvel Comic Workshop | 4 – 6pm

• The ABL, Dade City | Dungeons, Dragons & Drafts | 4 – 9pm

• Top Shelf Sports Lounge, Wesley Chapel | Trivia | 7:30 – 9:30pm

• X-Golf Tampa, Trinity | Beat the Brewer | 6 – 8pm

Thursday, September 18

• Art's Tap House, New Port Richey | Karaoke w/DJ TerryHD | 7 – 11pm

• Banana Wind Bar and Grill, Zephyrhills | Line Dance Lessons/Ladies Night | 7:30 – 11pm

• Bubba's 33, Wesley Chapel | Trivia | 7 – 10pm

• Carrollwood Cultural Center, Tampa | Ukulele Strum and Sing | 12:15 – 1:30pm

• Commandough's Pizza, Zephyrhills | Trivia | 7 – 10:30pm

• Dade City Tap House & Spirits, Dade City | Karaoke | 7:30 – 10:30pm

• Double Bogeys Tavern & Grille, Lutz | Cornhole Tournament | 7 – 10pm

• Double Bogeys Tavern & Grille, Lutz | Trivia | 7 – 9pm

• Escape Brewing Company, Trinity | Disney Theme Trivia | 7 – 9pm

• New River Library, Wesley Chapel | Medicare Basics | 10:30am – 12:30pm

• O'Brien's Irish Pub, Tampa | Karaoke w/Joe | 8 – 11:59pm

• The Barn at Starkey Market, New Port Richey | Trivia | 7 – 9pm

• The Collective at Escape, Trinity | Trivia | 7 – 9pm

• The Liquid Garage Brewing Co., New Port Richey | Sports Trivia w/Adam | 7 – 9pm

• Top Shelf Sports Lounge, Wesley Chapel | Trivia - Throwback 90's and 2000's | 7:30 – 9:30pm

• Zephyrhills Brewing Company (ZBC), Zephyrhills | Trivia | 7:30 – 9:30pm

Friday, September 19

• Blaze Pizza, Trinity | Blaze Pizza Party for Animal Services | 5 – 10pm

• Carrollwood Players Inc, Tampa | Company | 8 – 10pm

• Commandough's Pizza, Zephyrhills | Karaoke | 7 – 10:30pm

• Krate at the Grove, Wesley Chapel | Keepin' it Country w/Line Dancing | 7 – 11pm

• Lightfoot Senior Recreation Center, Temple Terrace | 36th Annual Senior Expo | 9am – 12pm

• Nerdz With Money, Zephyrhills | Friday Night Magic | 2 – 11:45pm

• Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | Magic of Eric Eaton | 7 – 9pm

• Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel | Magic of Eric Eaton | 9:30 – 11:30pm

• Skydive City, Zephyrhills | Sigma, Wings Strong and USPA - Skydive | 8:30am – 5pm

• Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant, Wesley Chapel | Dueling Pianos | 7 – 11pm

• Wesley Chapel - The Grove 16, Wesley Chapel | Senior Social - 50+ | 3 – 5pm

• Young Chefs Academy, Land O’ Lakes | Whimsical Autumn Kitchen Workshop | 6 – 8pm

We’ll be on Instagram with updates wherever we end up. Feel free to DM us to let us know we’ve forgotten a venue.

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